An opportunity has arisen for a Clinical Research Fellow to undertake an exciting and innovative translational project investigating physiological changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) during wakefulness and sleep, to investigate fibrosis and the risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. The project includes state-of-the-art techniques in human physiology, high throughput ‘omics, fibrosis and arrhythmia substrate assessment and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. This appointment will be in the lab of Dr. Virend Somers and the Fellow will be also working closely with Dr. Anwar Chahal.

The current project builds on previous work by investigating haemodynamics, baroreflex sensitivity, autonomic regulation, chemosensitivity, transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics in HCM during wakefulness and sleep. The project is at the interface of cardiac structure (imaging), physiology, mechanisms (‘omics) and arrhythmia development. We are well placed to undertake these investigations, as we have a pool of several thousand patients with HCM and a dedicated Clinical Research Unit with expertise in the novel and sophisticated techniques required.

The project is ideally suited to an academically-minded and hard-working clinical trainee, with some experience of specialist training in cardiology, and envisioning a career in academic cardiology. Funding for the 3-year fixed term, is secured via an R01 award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Heath, Bethesda, Maryland. The successful candidate would be expected to start on 1st October 2017 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The Clinical Research Fellow would be encouraged to register for a PhD or MD (Res) with a UK institution, and will also be strongly encouraged and supported to apply to the American Heart Association for a Fellowship Award. Also, the Fellow will also be encouraged to participate in other ongoing studies in the research program.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Anwar Chahal (chahal.anwar@mayo.edu) or Dr. Virend Somers (somers.virend@mayo.edu). All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence; they will not form part of the selection decision. Interviews can be conducted over a video-call. Full support will be provided for the appropriate tier visa application. USMLE examinations are not required for this position.

Upcoming Courses and Meetings

BSCI Interactive Workshop: What has cardiac computerised tomography (CT) taught us about reporting on the heart in non-gated thoracic CT, 11 September 2017, ACC Liverpool

The North West England Cardiovascular CT conference is an advanced training day for all individuals and specialities involved in Cardiac CT (Cardiologists, Radiologists, Radiographers and trainees). An international faculty will deliver educational content aimed at providing the delegate with the latest knowledge and developments in cardiac CT. As well as the lectures there will be breakout sessions hosted by Siemens and Toshiba for image acquisition and analysis learning reviews. Course Directors: Dr Matthias Schmitt, Dr Tim Fairbairn. Cost: SpR £20. For further information, click here.

The meeting will feature 2 and a half days of lectures and live case demonstrations and will fulfil the requirements for BSCI/BSCCT level 1 accreditation in cardiac CT. Delegate fees: trainees £149. The registration fee will include membership of the BSCI/BSCCT for the remainder of 2017. Membership will lapse unless renewed in January 2018. Course faculty: Dr Julie O'Brien, Dr James Shambrook, Dr Ed Nicol, Dr Elly Castellano, Dr Michelle Williams. For further information, visit the BSCI/BSCCT website.

RCR Cardiac Study Day, 13 November 2017, M-Shed, Bristol

Meeting organiser: Dr Mark Hamilton, Bristol. The meeting is aimed at those wishing to develop, or already with an interest in acute and elective cardiac imaging. There will be an emphasis on important new developments and where imaging leads to improved clinical outcomes. Included as part of the meeting is a poster competition, which will be judged by the faculty on the day, with a certificate and CPD credits awarded. The deadline for abstracts is Friday 13 October. For further information, visit the RCR website.